"We are going up in the Sylph from Plattsburgh to-night. Captain Gildrock is the bulliest man on the lake," said Nat Long.
"He has got something in his head," added Thad. "He treats us fellows like lords."
"He asked my mother what I was going to do in the way of business; and she told him she should get a place in a store for me as soon as I got through school," said Corny. "You ought to have heard him talk then! He said I was too much of a fellow to be a counter-jumper."
"What is he driving at, Corny?" asked Dory.
"I don't know: he didn't let on; but he has got something in his head."
The skipper found that his fellow-members of the club knew no more about his scheme than he did himself. They had a very jolly time on the trip; but the wind was light, and the Goldwing did not arrive at her destination until nearly dark. Dory hastened to the hotel to report to the landlord, who was very glad to see him.
"I am glad you have come; for there is a gentleman in the house who is very anxious to see you, Dory," said the hotel-keeper.
"Who is it, sir?"
"It is Pearl Hawlinshed's father. When he heard that his son was in trouble, he hastened back."
Dory remembered that he had a secret to keep; and he said nothing, expressing no interest by word or look in the arrival of Mr. Hawlinshed. He asked about the party he was to take out the next morning, and learned that it consisted of two young men from New-York City. They came in while he was at the counter, and he was introduced to them. They appeared to be very gentlemanly young men, and treated the skipper very politely.